Olivia Mulheim, Lucas Schindler identified as Swiss tourists in fatal shark attack at Kylies Beach, NSW
The two Swiss tourists involved in a deadly shark attack on NSW’s Mid North Coast have now been officially identified; authorities continue to search for the predator responsible.
Olivia Mulheim, 25, died after she and her partner Lucas Schindler, 26, were injured while swimming at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park. The couple were filming dolphins on a GoPro when the shark struck; detectives believe this moment may have been captured on the device.
Mulheim, an investment partner of Swiss asset manager Bellecapital, studied at the University of St Gallen and was heavily involved in competitive swimming and served as an artistic swimming referee for the Swiss Swimming Federation.
Despite serious injuries to his leg, Mr. Schindler fought off the shark and dragged Mulheim back to shore.
Bystanders rushed to help and created a makeshift tourniquet that likely saved his life. While Mulheim could not be resuscitated, Mr Schindler was winched to John Hunter Hospital and his condition was stabilized, but doctors fear the marathon runner may never fully regain mobility. news.com.au reported.
“Everyone was talking about this yesterday, it’s so scary,” one local resident said.
“My child was camping and swimming here last week. I couldn’t imagine how everyone felt.”
Shark attack survivor David Pearson said Mr Schindler was facing a major physical and emotional recovery.
“So he’s in a world of pain, obviously not just with his injury, but he’s going to be really challenged emotionally as well,” he said.
Mr Pearson is part of a peer support network that helps survivors navigate their lives after an attack.
“We’re here to help people understand life after an attack because it’s not an easy journey,” she said.
Following the tragedy, beaches at Crowdy Bay remain closed; Fisheries NSW is deploying multiple drum lines and Surf Life Saving crews are using drones to scan the coastline. No sharks have been spotted since the attack.
The pair arrived at the nearby campsite on Wednesday and were believed to be traveling in a rented car from Queensland. The GoPro footage is expected to help experts identify the species in question, with early assessments consistent with a mature bull shark.
NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth previously praised the bystander who applied a makeshift tourniquet, saying it “potentially saved his life”.
The attack has reignited calls for more life-saving equipment on unsupervised beaches, with Australian surfer Danny Schouten continuing his fundraising campaign to install shark bite kits across the country.
“When a shark attack occurs, every second counts,” Mr. Schouten said.
“The Shark Bite Kit provides tools that can help control bleeding and increase someone’s chances of survival.”
Mulheim and Mr. Schindler had gone to Australia for a beach trip; This holiday has now ended in tragedy.
A police report is being prepared for the coroner.
